Thunderous Rookies

The 2018 rookie class was expected to be deep, but I don't think anyone thought it would be this deep. 2nd round draft picks and undrafted rookies are getting opportunites and showing out. Weather it's in New York with Mitchell Robinson and Alonzo Trier or in Oklahoma City with their pair of Thunderous Rookies.

Hamidou Diallo and Deonte Burton are becoming household names around the state of Oklahoma, reminding Thunder fans of yesteryear, when younger Durant, Westbrook, Harden and Ibaka roamed these plains.

No these rookies are not top 5 draft picks, but they are fearless and play with energy and enthusiasm. This rookie duo has not had there minutes handed to them due to being lottery picks. Hell they weren't even first rounders!

Diallo tested the draft waters in 2017 after high school, and posted the second highest vertical at 42". Many believed that had he stayed in the draft he would have been picked at the end of the first round. After getting lost in the shuffle in Kentucky, Diallo slipped all the way to 45th pick in the 2018 draft. Diallo is a freak athlete with blazing speed in the open court and a nose for the ball, both defensively with tips and deflected passes and when it comes to rebounding.

Deonte Burton's path hasn't been a direct line to the NBA either. After 2 year stints at Marquette and Iowa State, Burton went undrafted in the 2017 draft and spent a year in South Korea. While playing in the KBL, Burton earned Foreign Player MVP. He has taken the confidence from that experience and converted it not only converted it to a summer league opportunity, but also to a two way contract, in which many of Thunder Nation believes should be converted to a full contract with the NBA squad. Burton is never concerned by the moment of the game. He comes in, put's his head down and attacks the rim with effortless athleticism.

These Thunder rookies were not expected to be big time producers this season, but with Andre Roberson still injured, they have helped take what many believed to be one of the OKC Thunders real weakness, wing depth, into a strength. Their numbers do not jump off the page, Diallo averages 14.6 minutes per game and averages 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and .9 steals. Burton, in 8.9 minutes averages 4.1 points and 1.3 rebounds, but they are both instant energy off the bench. Their per 36 averages, however, are outstanding. Diallo per 36 averages 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 steals, really highlighting his quick hands and nose for the rebound. Burton's averages jump to 16.5 points 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. They are currently rank 19th and 28th among all rookies in scoring.

We've only just begun to see these two young players (relatively young, Burton is 24) scratch the surface of what they can become. They landed in a great organization that is excellent in development. Look at the strides they have made with Jerami Grant, the former second round pick, now in his third year with the team, is averaging a career highs in points, rebounds, and minutes. They have developed Andre Roberson into a defensive player of the year candidate. These rooks not only have these two vets to look up to, but also have players like Paul George, Russell Westbrook, and Steven Adams to lean on.

Get your popcorn ready, these two are going to be putting on a show in the NBA for a long time, the Thunder have found their latest gems.